As the statement purports, some 30 sister states are "right to carry" states and all of them enjoy a lower crime rate due to the deterrent effect of a potential assailant's inability to determine the risk to his person in robbing, raping, or killing.

If the figures quoted in the statement are accurate, there can be no easier decision that you make this term.

I would remind you that no criminal has been deterred from unlawfully carrying a firearm due to the lack of "right to carry" statutes and regulations; an act such as the Citizen's Protection Act would only allow law-abiding citizens the right to protect themselves and others.

The counter-argument that putting guns in the hands of the people is dangerous is one without merit. As has been shown by the figures tallied by our sister states, and as can be observed by even short community with typical NJ gun owners, there is no cognizable danger to removing the current infringements upon the citizen's right to bear arms. Criminals, by definition, do not follow our laws. Citizens should not be made victims by obedience.

The Citizen's Protection Act would not contribute to crime. It would only reduce it.

I ask that you consider very this very carefully when you vote on my behalf.